Apple has released a new application for iOS devices that will allow users to stream live performances from the iTunes Festival London 2011, and even watch them on an HDTV via AirPlay.

The new, free software (iTunes link) from Apple is a universal application designed for both the iPhone and iPad. It requires a device running iOS 4.1 or later, and weighs in at 9.7MB.

"Download the official app now to explore the lineup in more detail and watch the shows LIVE or on demand for a limited period from wherever you are in the world," the official description reads. "You can even invite your friends to watch on the big screen with AirPlay support for streaming the gigs to your Apple TV."

The festival features performances by 62 bands over 31 nights in London, England. Artists include Foo Fighters, Paul Simon, Duran Duran and Moby.

Also performing at this year's festival is Coldplay, a band with a history of ties to Apple. In addition to participating in an Apple commercial, the band's frontman, Chris Martin, performed at Apple's annual iPod event last September, and Apple CEO Steve Jobs was even spotted at a Coldplay concert in 2009.

The broadcasts will be produced by Live Nation, according to All Things D. In addition to Apple's official application, the performances will also be streamed on Live Nation's iOS App Store software.

The iTunes Festival was first held in 2007 at the Institute of Contemporary Arts. This year's event will take place at The Roundhouse in Camden Town, where it has been held in years past.

Tickets for the iTunes Festival are free, and are given to users who apply and participate in contests on the official site. Of course, with the iOS application, anyone will be able to watch free around the world.

Agree. A year ago, Steve Jobs said this about the TV set-top-box industry:

Quote:

The only way this is going to change is if you start from scratch, tear up the box, redesign and get it to the consumer in a way that they want to buy it.

Apple seems to have made huge progress in that direction. iPhone / iPad / iPod touch are definitely products that the consumer wants to buy. AirPlay separates your TV from a set-top box (including Apple TV) in terms of content access and delivery. You can get your content via purchase, rental, streaming, whatever, on any of your iDevices or Macs or PCs.

And it would be simple to build Apple TV into actual HDTV sets. The current Apple TV retails for only $100, component costs (without retail packaging, built-in power supply, and enclosure) are far lower, and the circuit board itself is minuscule. Nearly identical to the ones in iPhone / iPad / iPod touch.

Add to that Apple's ability to stream live events such as this concert, and Apple is positioning themselves to be an entertainment powerhouse. They're setting themselves up for a future where hardware is cheap or free. It's part of the 10- and 20-year plans.

I don't see the problem with Duran Duran. They were very popular in the Eighties and continue to sell out shows, to old fans as well as new ones.

Anyhow, the lineup is meant to appeal to a broad group of people. They don't expect every single act to appeal to everyone.

Do you have a favorite music venue? Do you see every single show there?

So C., do you not think this is the answer to your skepticism over content in the other thread where the iTV comes up? Apple could build a new sort of global streaming network, even including FaceTime.

Did they snub Florence + the Machine because it would have screwed up the formatting of the list?

Don't hold your breath for Adele. I just heard her doctor won't even let her talk because of her severe laryngitis.

Not only am I old enough to remember "Wild Boys," but also to refer to it as Duran Duran's "new stuff" compared to their heyday with "Girls on Film." I don't know how they were live during their peak years, but the two times I've seen then on stage afterwards, they were awful.